The NHS is short of more than 100,000 workers as the health service goes into its busiest period during the holidays and new year. It is another sign of the devastating impact of Tory cuts and privatisation.

Around 70 bus drivers and their supporters held a mass picket outside First Bus’ Rushholme depot in Manchester on Wednesday. It lifted strikers' spirits in what has been a long-running dispute—and worried management.

International

A general strike across both the public and private sectors brought Greece to a standstill on Thursday. It was called by the ADEDY and GSEE union federations against austerity and the Syriza government’s attack on the right to strike.